The fox kestrel is a bird of prey belonging to the falcon family Falconidae. It is found in arid, open country in the northern part of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Region
Sahel belt of West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Mauritania and Senegal east across the Sahel through Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad to western Sudan. Prefers arid and semi-arid open country with scattered trees, rocky escarpments, and inselbergs. Frequently associated with cliffs and mesas where it roosts and nests, but forages over adjacent savanna and agricultural mosaics. It tolerates human-modified landscapes if open hunting areas and vantage perches are present.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The fox kestrel is one of the most strikingly rufous kestrels, adapted to hot, open Sahelian landscapes. It often hunts from rocky outcrops, isolated trees, or termite mounds and will also hover in wind. Pairs typically nest on cliff ledges or in rock crevices. Despite its wide range, it is generally scarce and patchily distributed.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier; rapid wingbeats with short glides; capable of hovering and soaring on thermals
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, sometimes loosely aggregating where prey is abundant or near cliff systems. Nests on rock ledges or in crevices; does not build substantial nests. Breeding timing varies locally with rainfall; clutch typically 2–4 eggs. The male often provides food to the incubating female.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice a sharp, repeated kik-kik-kik typical of kestrels, given in excitement or near the nest. Also emits harsh chattering calls and short screams during territorial encounters.
Plumage
Largely rich rufous to chestnut with fine dark streaking, darker flight feathers, and a long rufous tail with narrow dusky barring and a subtle subterminal band. Underwings show rufous coverts contrasting with darker primaries, giving a two-toned effect in flight. Bill grey with yellow cere; sexes similar, juveniles often more streaked.
Diet
Feeds on large insects such as locusts and grasshoppers, small mammals, lizards, and small birds. Hunts from exposed perches, by low quartering flight over open ground, or by hovering in suitable wind. Will sally from rocks or trees to take prey on the ground or in the air. Opportunistic, shifting prey focus with seasonal availability.
Preferred Environment
Open Sahelian savanna, stony plains, and the margins of rocky escarpments and cliffs. Also hunts along sparsely wooded fields, fallows, and lightly grazed rangelands with scattered perches.
